The laughter ceased.
"Well, you've done me a good turn for an ill one, young--what's-your-name, so here's a guinea for you." He threw it towards him; it fell on the ground, and lay there.
"Nay, nay, Richard," expostulated the sickly gentleman, who, after all, WAS a gentleman.

He stood apparently struggling with conflicting intentions, and not very easy in his mind.

"My good fellow," he said at last, in a constrained voice, "I won't forget your bravery.

If I could do anything for you--and meanwhile if a trifle like this"-- and he slipped something into John's hand.
John returned it with a bow, merely saying "that he would rather not take any money." The gentleman looked very much astonished.

There was a little more of persistence on one side and resistance on the other; and then Mr.March put the guineas irresolutely back into his pocket, looking the while lingeringly at the boy--at his tall figure, and flushed, proud face.
"How old are you ?" "Fifteen, nearly." "Ah!" it was almost a sigh.